Jerry Forrest Love

Jerry Forrest Love, age 87, of Ashville passed away Monday, February 1, 2016. He was born September 21, 1928 in the Shoal Creek Valley of St. Clair County in Ashville, AL. As a young man, Jerry was a natural athlete who excelled in basketball and baseball. Many still remember the area baseball games played at “Love’s Field” on the family farm in the valley where Jerry was a fan favorite. In 1949, Jerry married the love of his life, Ruth Machen and they moved to Hueytown, AL, where he pursued a 34 year career at U.S. Steel in Fairfield. Jerry continued playing sports in the local industrial leagues. Jerry and Ruth raised a son and daughter, Greg and Beverly, enjoyed square dancing, and returning to Shoal Creek Valley on weekends to share a love of watersports with family and friends. They were active in Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Hueytown. In 2005 Jerry and Ruth returned home to Shoal Creek Valley where they enjoyed their retirement on the lake reunited with friends and family from their youth. Jerry was a member of Greensport Baptist Church. He passed away Monday surrounded by family. A gentle and loving husband of 67 years and family man, Jerry was proud of his roots in the Valley and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers at Cherokee County Health & Rehab’s Alzheimer’s Unit and Gentiva Hospice for their kindness, care and love.

Mr. Love was preceded in death by his mother and father, Anna and Carroll Love; brothers, Nolan and Harry Love; and granddaughter, Shea Vines Headley.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Machen Love, of Ashville, AL; son, Greg (Andrea) Love of Rainbow City; granddaughter, Alesha Love; grandson, Brock Love; daughter, Beverly Love, of Pelham, AL; grandson Latt (Amina ) Vines; granddaughter, Hope Love; and great-granddaughters, Carmen and Kaci Love; sister, Joyce Love Sanders & husband, Austin Sanders, of Ashville, AL; sisters-in-law, Doris O’Donnell, Rachel (Hoyt) Minyard and Jo Love Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Funeral services for Jerry Love will be at 2:00 pm Friday, February 5, 2016 at Greensport Baptist Church, 9260 Shoal Creek Rd, Ashville, AL 35953. Rev. Jeremy Williams will officiate. Burial will be at the adjoining cemetery. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services is directing.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to the service.

The family request donations to Greensport Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.